Real Fudge
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the nostalgia of old-fashioned fudge, reminiscent of the sweet treats your grandma used to whip up. This recipe takes you back to basics, eschewing modern shortcuts like condensed milk and marshmallow creme. The key to success lies in precise execution; follow the directions diligently, and you’ll be rewarded with a decadent, non-grainy fudge. Beware: a misstep in timing can result in unwanted graininess, so adhere closely to the instructions provided.
Recipe Category: Candy
Keywords: Dessert, Low Protein, Healthy, < 30 Mins, For Large Groups, Stove Top
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 94.9
- Fat Content: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 3.3mg
- Sodium Content: 25.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 19.1g
- Fiber Content: 0.4g
- Sugar Content: 17.5g
- Protein Content: 0.6g
- Servings: 24
- Yield: 24 ounces
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/8 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Melt Chocolate: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the chocolate with milk, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted.
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Add Ingredients: Once the chocolate is melted, add the sugar, salt, and corn syrup to the saucepan. Stir just until the mixture comes to a boil.
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Stop Stirring: When the mixture reaches a boil, it’s crucial to stop stirring. This step is pivotal in preventing graininess.
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Boil Mixture: Clamp a candy thermometer on the side of the saucepan and allow the mixture to boil until it reaches a temperature of 238°F (114°C).
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Remove from Heat: As soon as the mixture hits the target temperature, remove it from the heat source. Resist the urge to stir.
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Incorporate Butter: Add the butter to the chocolate mixture without stirring. Let the mixture cool to at least 110°F (43°C) before proceeding.
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Add Vanilla: Once cooled, add the vanilla extract to the mixture. This signals the beginning of the stirring process.
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Stirring Time: It’s finally time to stir! Beat the mixture by hand or with a handheld mixer until the fudge loses its glossiness and thickens slightly.
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Pour and Set: Pour the fudge onto a waxed paper-lined 9-inch pan and allow it to set for a few hours before cutting into delectable squares.
Cook’s Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
- Accurate temperature monitoring is crucial; invest in a reliable candy thermometer.
- Avoid over-stirring, especially once the mixture reaches the boiling point, to prevent crystallization and graininess.
- For variations, consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or flavored extracts to customize your fudge.
Reviews:
This recipe has an aggregated rating of 3 stars based on 2 reviews.
User Review:
“This fudge recipe brought back memories of my childhood! The instructions were clear, and I appreciated the emphasis on timing. The end result was smooth, creamy fudge that disappeared in no time. Will definitely make it again!”
User Review:
“I followed the recipe to the letter, but unfortunately, my fudge turned out grainy. I suspect I may have stirred at the wrong time. However, the flavor was still excellent. I’ll give it another shot and be extra careful with the stirring next time.”
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of making real fudge requires patience, precision, and a willingness to follow directions meticulously. With practice, you’ll soon be delighting friends and family with batches of homemade fudge that rival those cherished childhood memories.
